TY - JOUR T1 - Dr. Pincus replies JF - The Journal of Rheumatology JO - J Rheumatol SP - 443 LP - 444 DO - 10.3899/jrheum.081066 VL - 36 IS - 2 AU - THEODORE PINCUS Y1 - 2009/02/01 UR - http://www.jrheum.org/content/36/2/443.2.abstract N2 - We thank Dr. Kirwan for his usual thoughtful and imaginative observations. Considerable variation is also seen beyond physician global assessment in all rheumatoid arthritis (RA) core data set measures. Swollen and tender joint counts performed by a health professional vary widely1–4. Patient questionnaire scores for physical function, pain, global status, and fatigue vary in their ratios in different patients5,6, with patterns according to ethnic group7, indicating that patient perceptions also may vary considerably. Indeed, the different ratios have been suggested to provide clues to recognition of somatization5,6. All measurement is indeed associated with error and variation. Our report … Address reprint requests to Dr. Pincus; E-mail: tedpincus{at}gmail.com ER -